Legacy Partial Access Placeholderhttp://hdl.handle.net/10211.3/1409622017-09-26T21:48:10Z2017-09-26T21:48:10ZReliability of static assessments of postureRodill, Dunfordhttp://hdl.handle.net/10211.3/1413142016-05-05T23:52:50Z2010-08-01T00:00:00ZReliability of static assessments of posture
Rodill, Dunford
Background and Purpose: There are several tools used for the assessment of posture,
each with high validity and reliability. However, some of these tools are outdated,
use crude methods or can be expensive. With the advances in photography and
computer software, we can develop new ways to assess posture that are valid,
reliable and easy to use. The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability of
a new postural assessment method. Subjects and Methods: Fifty subjects from the
California State University, Northridge student population participated in this study.
Live and photographic measurements were performed to assess each subject's
lumbar curvature. A goniometer was used to determine the amount of pelvic tilt in
each individual, while the inclinometer was utilized to determine the angles found at
the Ll and S1 vertebrae. Lumbar curvature (C) was obtained by adding the values
at L1 and S1 (C = L1 +S1). Photographic analysis consisted of taking two separate
photographs of each subject to assess the pelvic tilt and lumbar curvature.
Reflective markers were attached to the ASIS, PSIS, L1, and S1 bony landmarks to
improve the assessment technique. All photographs were uploaded to a desktop
computer and measurements were taken directly from the monitor. Lumbar
curvature was assessed in two ways: 1) using the radius (2-1 inches) of three circles
of varying diameters ( 4-2 inches) 2) determining the inclination angles at L1 and S1.
Lumbar curvature (C) was determined by adding the values of L1 and S1 (C =
L1 +S1). Results-Live: The confidence interval (CI) indicated a difference in intrarater
reliability between days for both testers. Inter-rater reliability was low to
moderate, but did not differ between days. The ICC for the pelvic tilt measurement
was low for both testers and no difference in intra- and inter-rater reliability.
Results-Photoanalysis: Photographic inclination angles produced a difference in
between day intra-rater reliability according the Cl. No difference was observed
with inter-rater reliability between days. Pelvic tilt analysis indicated low to
moderate intra-rater reliability, but no observed difference according to the Cl.
Radius of the curvature results showed the highest intra- and inter-rater reliability.
Discussion and Conclusions: Using the radius of the circle to determine lumbar
curvature appears to be the most useful technique because reliability was found to
be high among testers. In addition, this technique produced better inter-rater
reliability. The use of computer software to assess lumbar curvature proved to
require more training than anticipated as this may increase reliability of the
technique. Utilizing an inclinometer to assess lumbar posture proved to be more
reliable and easier to use than photographic analysis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 37-38)
2010-08-01T00:00:00Z